3D printing is also known as desktop fabrication or additive manufacturing. It is a prototyping process whereby a real object is created from a 3D design. The digital 3D-model is saved in STL format and then sent to a 3D printer. The 3D printer then prints the design layer by layer and forms a real object. Read more..

2. 3D printing technologies

There are several different 3D printing technologies. The main differences are how layers are built to create parts.

One of the most important applications of 3D printing is in the medical industry. With 3D printing, surgeons can produce patient-specific 3D printed models of patients' body parts or organs. They can use these models to plan and practice surgeries, potentially saving lives.

3D printing makes it possible to make a part from scratch in just hours. It allows designers and developers to go from flat screen to exact, physical part.

Nowadays almost everything from aerospace components to toys are being built with the help of 3D printers. 3D printing is also used for jewelry and art, architecture, fashion design, art, architecture and interior design.

Here are some extraordinary examples of 3D printing:

The World's First 3D-Printed Car

World's first chocolate 3D printer

World's first 3D printed bikini

5. What is a 3D printer?

A 3D printer is unlike your standard, 2D inkjet printer. On a 3D printer the object is printed in three dimensions. A 3D model is built up layer by layer. Therefore the whole process is called rapid prototyping, or 3D printing. Read more..

The resolution of the current printers is around 328 x 328 x 606 DPI (xyz) at 656 x 656 x 800 DPI (xyz) in ultra-HD resolution. The accuracy is 0.025 mm - 0.05 mm per inch. The model size is up to 737 mm x 1257 mm x 1504 mm.

The biggest drawback for the individual home user is still the high cost of 3D printer. Another drawback is that it takes hours or even days to print a 3D model (depending on the complexity and resolution of the model). Besides above, the professional 3D software and 3D model design is also in a high cost range.

6. Whats the difference between a basic rapid prototyping machine and a 3D printer?

3D printers are the simple version of rapid prototyping machines. It is lower lost and less capable.

Rapid prototyping is a conventional method that has been used by automotive and aircraft industries for years.

In general 3D printers are compact and smaller than RP machines. They are ideal for use in offices. They use less energy and take less space. They are designed for low volume reproduction of real objects made of nylon or other plastics. That also means 3D printers make smaller parts. Rapid prototyping machines have build chambers at least 10 inches on a side, a 3D printer has less than 8 inches on a side. However a 3D printer is capable of all the functions of rapid prototyping machine such as verifying and validating design, creating prototype, remote sharing of information etc.

Consequently 3D printers are easy to handle and cheap to maintain. You can buy one of those DIY kit in the market and build up yourself. It is cheaper than the professional rapid prototyping, for $1000 or less you can have one 3D printer. While the professional rapid prototyping cost at least $50,000.

3D printers are less accurate than rapid prototyping machines. Because of its simplicity the material choices are also limited.

7. What can you make with a 3D printer?

In 3D printing area, people say "If You Can Draw It, You Can Make It". In the video below shows many items can be made with a 3D printer. However complicated objects can only be made by professional 3D printers, they are not yet affortable for common family.

Many different materials can be used for 3D printing, such as ABS plastic, PLA, polyamide (nylon), glass filled polyamide, stereolithography materials (epoxy resins), silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers and polycarbonate.

12. What 3D modeling software is suitable for a beginner in 3D design?

If you’re just getting started you can try some of 3D modeling software which can be downloaded for free.

Google SketchUp - This Google SketchUp is fun and free, and is known for being easy to use. To build models in SketchUp, you draw edges and faces using a few simple tools that you can learn in a short time. With with Push/Pull tool you can extrude any flat surface into a 3D form. Furthermore, it works together with Google Earth, that you can import a scaled aerial photograph directly from Google Earth, or use SketchUp to build models which can be seen in Google Earth.

3Dtin - The simplest 3D software. You can draw directly from your browser.

Blender - Blender is the free open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems under the GNU General Public License. Blender was developed as an in-house application by the Dutch animation studio NeoGeo and Not a Number Technologies (NaN). It is a powerful program contains features that are characteristic of high-end 3D software.

OpenSCAD - OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and Mac OS X. it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects.

Tinkercad - Tinkercad is a new and faster way of creating designs for your 3D printer. With only three basic tools you can create a wide range of useful things. Once your project is ready simply download the STL file and start your 3D print.

Commercial software such as CAD software AutoCAD and Pro Engineer, software packages Rhino, Maya, and SolidWorks are all pretty good for designing 3D models.

13. I have no 3D design experience, how long does it take to learn 3D modeling?

You can learn how to 3D model by learning how to use 3D modeling tools such as Rhino, Blender or SketchUp. It will take you some weeks to be familiar with 3D modeling tools such as SketchUp, Rhino and Blender. To become a professional user will take you at least half a year to study and practice.

hi, i love this info but could you maybe add information about the impact the 3d printer has? thanks!

beam wrote at 7/19/2016 12:46:48 PM:

wow

Yes wrote at 5/3/2016 10:57:54 AM:

Step one: buy printer with money
*tear rolls down cheek "damn"

snipermania wrote at 4/19/2016 6:18:08 PM:

hitler was a good man

kkk wrote at 4/14/2016 10:11:40 PM:

niggers

NIKKIE wrote at 3/14/2016 8:11:36 AM:

IT MAKES ME LEARN MANY THINGS. THANK YOU.

Angel Pam wrote at 1/13/2016 1:26:08 AM:

Regarding 3D printers for home use, I was wondering if those of you design people working in this field would create a recycling chamber, in which everyday, household plastics, wrapping, bags, plastic bottles, etc, can be put into a chamber to be prepared (with no off gassing) for use in the 3D printer. I dislike the amount of plastic I see going off to garbage and it would be great to have an all purpose home recycling device so that we can turn our own plastics into other items we need. Just an idea...

Girish wrote at 1/4/2016 10:43:59 AM:

good for those who want to understand the basics of 3d print machine

Shrek Devotee wrote at 12/30/2015 3:10:43 PM:

Accept Shrek as the one true saviour in your heart! Otherwise you will feel his wrath of onions and will never make it to his swamp...

2nd amendment wrote at 12/22/2015 9:15:46 PM:

It's awesome for making high capacity magazines. Thank you all so very much for putting freedom back into the American people.

AGKISTRIWTHS wrote at 12/17/2015 4:44:35 AM:

GAMW TO XRISTO SAS

bryce wrote at 11/12/2015 7:44:07 PM:

what came they make medically

James Park wrote at 11/11/2015 6:22:54 AM:

Hello Sir,
This is James Park from Luvantix/Fospia in Korea. How have you been?
We are the only patented manufacturer in South Korea for various kinds of resins.
Actually, we started developing 3D printing resin as well and finally, we succeeded in completing SLA type 3D printing resin.
so, I am very happy to introduce our 3D printing resin.
I am attaching the TDS and MSDS and some product pictures for your reference.
If your company have some interests in our 3D resins, we will send the samples for the test.
Please let me know your opinion.
I am eager to support you and your company with the best solutions and prices.
I look forward to hearing from you!!
jwpark@fospia.com / contact@fospia.com
www.fospia.com

James Park wrote at 11/11/2015 6:21:58 AM:

Hello Sir,
This is James Park from Luvantix/Fospia in Korea. How have you been?
We are the only patented manufacturer in South Korea for various kinds of resins.
Actually, we started developing 3D printing resin as well and finally, we succeeded in completing SLA type 3D printing resin.
so, I am very happy to introduce our 3D printing resin.
I am attaching the TDS and MSDS and some product pictures for your reference.
If your company have some interests in our 3D resins, we will send the samples for the test.
Please let me know your opinion.
I am eager to support you and your company with the best solutions and prices.
I look forward to hearing from you!!
jwpark@fospia.com / contact@fospia.com
www.fospia.com

bill nye the meme guy wrote at 10/5/2015 3:23:52 PM:

lovin this dank meme

Essam Refaai wrote at 10/4/2015 12:34:34 PM:

Is this chocolate & foods 3D printer for sale ..and how much the price if so ?
and the cost of shipping to Egypt ?
please e-mail me on below address for more details :
erfaai@butchersburger.net
Mob. 01000100355 (+02)

David Brewer wrote at 8/31/2015 12:21:35 AM:

This makes me all hot and sweaty, like a fat kid watching candy porn.

CP Tan wrote at 8/14/2015 11:09:21 AM:

I am searching for a 3D Printer which can help me to print parts which can be placed in an environment which is about 250 to 300 degrees C.
Do you have such 3D Printer?
Please email me to discuss. My email is cp.tan@asmpt.com
Contact is (65)-98109522
Thanks!

like this website very much
i got many informations only from this website

Barack Obama wrote at 7/4/2015 3:19:18 PM:

Well done

Eric Birkemeier wrote at 6/22/2015 11:18:55 PM:

My name is Eric Birkemeier and I am emailing you to inform you of the FIRST EVER headlights for skateboards that were made possible entirely with 3D printing through San Diego State University. Our company is called 'ShredLights' and we just launched our Kickstarter campaign (http://kck.st/1K4xFkX) yesterday. Check out our page and see how beneficial 3D printing has been for us! We would love to get on on featured your site and show potential customers the possibilities of 3D printing in our everyday lives. Thanks for reading!

lol lol lol wrote at 5/14/2015 7:47:51 PM:

Lollollollollollollollol
lol
lol
lol
lol
lol
lol
lol
lol
lol

Casey wrote at 5/4/2015 9:01:09 PM:

Im doing this for a science experiment and I find this information helpful.

Amy wrote at 4/29/2015 11:18:52 AM:

This is good information. Have you heard of CreoPop 3d pens? They're taking pre-orders now at goo.gl/izSIHt. What do you think?

I make 3D modeling language for begginer.
This is building cube like lego.
https://github.com/junjihashimoto/cube
What do you think?
This is good idea or bad idea?

Julee wrote at 4/6/2015 6:38:26 PM:

can you buy stock shares in this industry yet? If so where?

Georgelolsicakes wrote at 3/25/2015 2:18:21 AM:

HI

I wrote at 3/22/2015 5:34:05 PM:

Lol

aidan stocum wrote at 3/16/2015 3:53:40 PM:

thanks

Kelman wrote at 3/16/2015 12:02:01 AM:

Thanks for creating a one stop site for 3D printing info. Cheers.

Charles Scruggs wrote at 3/5/2015 9:05:48 PM:

why are we learning this about 3D printers?

Bill Nye wrote at 3/3/2015 6:31:42 PM:

dank

H. Mahmoudi wrote at 2/28/2015 6:27:30 AM:

Hi dears,
I work in a company which manufactures wellhead equipment. The mentioned equipment is generally cylindrical shapes with several discontinuities. We are going to purchase a 3D printer. It will be appreciated if any of you recommend for appropriate 3D printer for such applications.

Fodil wrote at 2/13/2015 7:59:19 PM:

I would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity to learn more about 3D PRINTING, which will help us to discover other area of printing.

boo wrote at 1/31/2015 10:15:38 PM:

this is some cool stuff

someone wrote at 1/27/2015 11:06:17 PM:

hi

yea wrote at 1/8/2015 4:59:39 AM:

%3Cscript%3Ealert(%27hello%27)%3C%2Fscript%3E

klark wrote at 1/8/2015 12:58:34 AM:

4riXwr http://www.FyLitCl7Pf7kjQdDUOLQOuaxTXbj5iNG.com

The Fruit wrote at 1/6/2015 5:40:20 AM:

I am a banana

Kristen wrote at 12/26/2014 2:46:39 PM:

Very, very good source for information. Thank you for being so thorough in your descriptions. It's wonderful to have people who take the extra step to help those in need!

Revell Cornell wrote at 12/20/2014 11:55:18 PM:

Thank you, thank you, thank you. At last, a website that explains 3D printing so simply. I've searched for days for a site like this, but, it just goes to show, you only have to ask Google the right question, and the right answer comes up. Brilliant site.

wooden wrote at 12/19/2014 8:12:58 AM:

Buy 3D model, Please. I want to build a house

dfdf wrote at 12/10/2014 2:38:31 AM:

I found the web site that i was looking for!

Kris wrote at 12/2/2014 7:17:00 PM:

Try this to make designs :) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tdcp.threedc

bjj wrote at 11/23/2014 6:08:09 PM:

jhjhjg

matt wrote at 11/13/2014 10:24:09 PM:

where do I get the fails for modio for my ipad

Nathan wrote at 11/12/2014 7:48:29 AM:

Good work

dorkmo wrote at 11/4/2014 10:40:53 PM:

you might add youmagine to you list

Jamie Sebastian wrote at 10/19/2014 5:55:27 PM:

Hello, I have an idea for the 3d printer please contact me at Jamie.sebastian12345@gmail.com

Raymond wrote at 10/1/2014 4:58:54 PM:

bob the builderr can fix anything

Pavan wrote at 9/20/2014 7:27:18 PM:

Hi,
Greetings from Workbench Projects!
We are a very young makerspace in Bangalore, hosting and conducting a lot of workshops and events for all age groups to introduce the DIY culture and promote it
.
We have recently collaborated with Intel Education and are conducting some 3D printing demo’s in the K12 segment.
We are interested in hiring a couple of 3D printers (4 to 5 printers) for our events. This will be a regular exercise.
We are encouraged to write to you as we found your company on several forums talking about giving 3D printers on rent.
We are based out of bangalore and are looking to get these 3D printers in the month of October. If you do not give 3D printers on rent, but know someone who might, we would appreciate if you can lead us to them. If you do rent them out, please provide a quote for 5 printers to be rented for 2 days.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,
Anu and Pavan

Tanner wrote at 9/12/2014 8:24:14 PM:

How does the three d printer do with making toy parts?

Asswipe555 wrote at 9/12/2014 6:05:22 PM:

this page sucks

JN wrote at 9/9/2014 6:30:18 PM:

How much detail can the 3D printer into making something, like a cup

journeyman toolmaker wrote at 8/17/2014 5:13:23 AM:

thanks great job.

Young K Kim wrote at 8/7/2014 8:13:48 AM:

This is 3Dprintguy Corp. in Korea.
Now, in Korea, 3D printing market is going up fast.
If you are interesting for korean market,
please let us know.
Thanks.
Young K Kim for 3Dprintguy Corp. in Korea

Naresh Kumar Gupta wrote at 7/12/2014 2:26:06 PM:

I am Naresh Gupta from New Delhi, India. We are looking for a decent tie-up to start training on 3D for the masses in India. We have a network of 28000 service points touching around 30 million population. We would like to impart training in all the regional languages in India. There will be a huge market for entry level 3D printers due to this training. Kindly let us know how we can work together and on what terms.
Best Regards,
Naresh Kumar Gupta
+919810162469
naresh@nareshgupta.in

nikhil sarma wrote at 7/1/2014 10:29:21 AM:

kaha milega 3d printer bhai

Debbie LeGrair wrote at 6/22/2014 3:04:10 PM:

How big is the 3D printer? I heard that car manufacturers are using it, will the printer be able to produce a car that I could actually drive? I know it will have to be done in sections. What is the cheapest and which is the most expensive printer?
Thank you
qnbee1116

Brittany wrote at 6/10/2014 8:57:00 AM:

Wow, thanks so much. It is such an interesting topic. Great job.

amir rafiq wrote at 6/1/2014 8:41:28 PM:

send me dates of 3d printers exhibitions in different parts of world in 2014

Chandan wrote at 5/27/2014 3:04:32 PM:

Hi,
As a classic car enthusiast I would like to make 3D printed 1:18 scale models. How can I scan a real car and get the detailing right?

okay so I've done a 3d model for printing however how do I apply dimensions and sizing, proper measurements like my own measurements so by the time I'm done cutting up and slicing up the parts that i want I can go and print individually, and at the assembly point I can just snap on together and put it on and I know it's going to fit cuz i just input my own dimensions and measurements. how can this be done any help?

Ammara wrote at 4/13/2014 9:35:02 AM:

Nice.Thanks for sharing.

Janob_Lee wrote at 4/9/2014 11:50:54 PM:

Thanks a lot!

Binu ic illicka wrote at 4/8/2014 9:20:43 PM:

Thank you for this great information :-) .

Richard wrote at 4/7/2014 6:32:43 PM:

THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL INFORMATION!

duck wrote at 3/31/2014 12:10:28 AM:

thanx i ate pie

Julie Reece wrote at 3/28/2014 4:59:44 PM:

This section should include SDL, selective deposition lamination technology. SDL was invented by Mcor Technologies. In this technology, ordinary paper is used as the build material. It is lowest printing/operating cost, full color and most eco-friendly 3D printing technology. This white paper explains it in detail http://www.mcortechnologies.com/resources/resources-white-paper/

I AM DAH REEL SPUDRMIN wrote at 3/26/2014 2:39:37 AM:

i pooped in my pants while dancing to numa numa hhaahaaha...

Anonymous wrote at 3/25/2014 10:00:33 PM:

I Am Getting so much crazy about the idea of 3D printer for My Project... Please Tell me about the criteria and steps to learn and work on it.... please any 1 guide me...

srinivas ch wrote at 3/19/2014 9:54:19 AM:

thanks very useful

Nico Van Der Merwe wrote at 3/9/2014 3:59:07 AM:

This is Awesome and Stunning. The Future.

3R wrote at 3/5/2014 9:18:02 PM:

Thanks, great!

guru wrote at 2/27/2014 1:29:57 PM:

Thanku ......this was very usefull to me........

Richard wrote at 2/26/2014 12:14:10 AM:

THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL INFORMATION!

ROSS wrote at 2/20/2014 4:54:40 AM:

WAY TO MUCH INFORMATION
CUT DOWN JUST A LITTLE
THANKS

Min Lwin wrote at 2/20/2014 1:31:30 AM:

i don't know clearly yet.can a printer print both by melting and forming layer by layer?plz answer me...

Adrien wrote at 2/14/2014 5:38:26 AM:

3D printers are definitely the future, they even print entire buildings!! http://nusteel.com.au/3d-printing/

monisha e m wrote at 2/11/2014 2:18:43 PM:

it is verry informative for my seminar repror on 3d printing

Tim Hutchens wrote at 2/7/2014 8:59:29 PM:

What sort of materials costs are there?

Karan wrote at 2/6/2014 10:34:26 AM:

Hello Guys I wish to make a 3D printer . Where I can get DIY kit in India?

ZmartPart wrote at 2/4/2014 9:26:08 AM:

Mostly well done. We might link some of those videos from our website to yours, for informational purpose for our clients! Our website is www.zmartpart.com !
Best wishes,
ZmartPart Team

joshua livingston wrote at 1/29/2014 8:40:18 AM:

REALLY AWESOME.............PRECISE INFORMATIONS.
THANK YOU.

Edjolyn Enriquez wrote at 1/22/2014 7:38:00 AM:

This is one great way of presenting 3D technology to many. Just like here in the UAE, not everyone is well-spooned with such great technology. Therefore our company Abaad is making countless effort to reach and share what 3D potentials can bring. Thanks for sharing this.

Tim Skillman wrote at 1/20/2014 1:40:13 AM:

Sorry to say, but we were printing in chocolate at our company, AspexSoftware, at least 5 years ago! - see www.aspexsoftware.com/fab_at_school.htm

Tim wrote at 1/20/2014 1:38:34 AM:

Sorry to say, but we were printing in chocolate at our company, AspexSoftware, at least 5 years ago! - see www.aspexsoftware.com/fab_at_school.htm

FH wrote at 1/15/2014 6:52:35 AM:

VERY... VERY... VERY... GOOOOD and CLEEEEAAR INFORMATION
ABOUT 3D PRINTING BASICS.
HOW TO CONTROL THE FLOW OF INK (or fluid) from the gun/cartridge?
THANKS FOR ALL.

Dinesh Upadhyay wrote at 1/6/2014 1:53:30 PM:

Hi Guys,
I am new to this forum , however I am an Engineer and a PG in CAD/CAM.
Located in Mumbai. Currently working for a Jewelry company and using cad and cam extensivly. have used different type of Rapidprototyping machines in past, but never used the PLA/ABS kind of home printers.

Dinesh Upadhyay wrote at 1/6/2014 1:49:30 PM:

Hi ,Raghuram Prabhakaran,
the best people in Mumbai for prototyping jobshop is Imaginurim, In MIDC Andheri.
I know them and are great people to learn from and work for.

James Kang wrote at 12/25/2013 9:24:38 PM:

모든 정보를 주신 분들에게
감사한 마음을 전합니다.

tom wrote at 12/23/2013 4:51:10 AM:

New site http://3dstuffzone.com

Kevin wrote at 12/17/2013 6:06:22 PM:

Soap

Mike Moncrief wrote at 12/3/2013 11:52:16 AM:

Where can I learn how to do 3D printing? I live in St. Paul, Mn.

urniga wrote at 11/28/2013 12:27:10 PM:

can you show a concept map of 3d printing? :P

vybil wrote at 11/22/2013 3:33:22 PM:

ftrfrdtrfyjf

Johnnt boy wrote at 11/20/2013 4:52:47 PM:

Zebras

Adam wrote at 11/20/2013 4:46:06 AM:

Hi, most of the 3D printing materials are ABS & PLA. Any reason why polypropylene not being used for 3D printing?

YYYY wrote at 11/11/2013 7:33:30 PM:

WHAT SI THE GRPWTH OF THIS INDUSTRY IN INDIAN MARKET

jz wrote at 11/1/2013 1:35:29 AM:

this was very helpful for a research paper i was doing

C Cooper wrote at 10/27/2013 4:59:23 AM:

Stay away from anything offered by the mixshop... I bought a mix g1 back in March and besides printing a cube or two, nothing stayed together long enough to print what I wanted as part of a project I had been working on. To boot, the damn extruder was printed out of PLA! As soon as the extruder bed temperature gets any warmer that 50 degrees, the damn thing starts to melt. Dont'get me started on the extruder platform either... Looks like something a grade school kid designed (the bearing holders on the platform came loose after about three prints... You have been warned.

dodood wrote at 10/25/2013 5:02:59 PM:

Tis is the best thing eva turnip

Farhang Karimzadeh. wrote at 10/22/2013 6:48:48 PM:

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this email to find a university to learn modeling and prototyping.
I am an industrial design student in bachelor degree and I am very interested to learn modeling and prototyping in relation with the industrial design but not as a short-term semester or just part of a different line of knowledge.
Looking for a university that at the end I will be able to get bachelor degrees or even higher.
During my web searching I found few signals that I can ask you, that’s why I am I'm bombarding you with lots of requests and questions.
Thanks a lot in advance of your support, cooperation, and contribution.
Your confirmation of receiving this email will be greatly appreciates.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
farhang_k1976@yahoo.com

MPL wrote at 10/18/2013 7:44:38 PM:

Thank you for this beautiful and concise introduction.

Manas wrote at 10/4/2013 6:37:22 AM:

Thank for the preliminary info.

kari wrote at 10/4/2013 12:35:37 AM:

So my husband does 3D design and is trying to make a model for a symbol to be cut out. They say the edge should resemble a cookie cutter but so far nothing he has done is working. He is using sketchup I believe can anyone give me advice to relay to him?

Pancho Nopales wrote at 9/27/2013 6:25:37 AM:

Gracias por la informacion fue de gran utilidad!

Jeewel wrote at 9/26/2013 5:16:18 PM:

Hi,
I use shapeways.com and I'm quite happy about the service!
This is my last project
https://www.shapeways.com/model/1337943/jumping-frog-wire-32-mm-1-25-inches.html?li=shop-results&materialId=6
Bye!

Chad wrote at 9/25/2013 10:58:04 PM:

Can you please add 3d printer hardware

jimmy wrote at 9/19/2013 8:55:43 PM:

boobiies

l wrote at 9/12/2013 6:42:11 PM:

wat r teh materials tu bild 1

Jeremie Pate wrote at 9/10/2013 2:38:11 PM:

It's pretty cool. Thanks for info

Raghuram Prabhakaran wrote at 8/21/2013 11:39:51 AM:

I really want to work on 3 D printing services. I am looking for an opportunity to work in 3 D printing house in India especially in Mumbai to gain thorough practical knowledge.
Currently I am employed as 2 D / 3 D Animator, specialized in Texturing and Lighting. Will you please let me know any renowned 3 D Printers available in Mumbai, India? Or
If I want to start it what would be the cost?

Scott wrote at 8/12/2013 3:51:32 PM:

Excellent Insight into 3D printing keep up the quality journalism.

Llewellyn King wrote at 8/10/2013 1:34:49 AM:

I am interested in exploring the potential impact of 3d printing in society in general and particuloarly in the nergy industries which may not know they need it --yet.
Llewellyn King

Bruno wrote at 8/4/2013 6:30:56 AM:

Thanks for share!
Somebody know which printers brand and model are showing in the video about Stereolithography (SLA) printers?
tks

Aaron wrote at 7/30/2013 11:33:13 PM:

This is some great info for those getting acquainted with 3D printing and where to find the right resources.
I have recently started a website where we provide 3D graphic design services for those who want to get into the 3D printing without having any specialized knowledge about the 3D modeling process.
As part of our launch, we were wondering if we could have an arrangement where our website is featured as on of the resources mentioned on this page. The website is Triaxisart.com. Please check it out and let me know what is needed to make that possible.
Keep up the great work with this page!
I can be contacted at info@triaxisart.com

Aybuke wrote at 7/24/2013 3:54:53 PM:

Thank you for the great support you provide! I've been searching the suitable material and printer kit the whole day; however, I had not got to any point until I encountered your site.

G. rodriguez wrote at 7/11/2013 4:31:29 AM:

What 3d printers accept AutoCad designs...???

Ken Cummings wrote at 7/10/2013 4:02:16 AM:

As a Mining Engineer I learned to nitrify cellulose ( a starch/sugar polymer) to make a basic low grade explosive known as gun cotton. I just learned that the PVA used to print soluble supports for print overhangs can also be nitrified to create a compound prone to rapid decomposition. Will some polymer chemist please explain how to nitrify PVA just enough to make it go away rapidly without blowing my hand off?

Rajib wrote at 7/9/2013 10:42:48 AM:

Where to order? Please provide sales info.We would like to collaborate with you for our business growth using 3D Gigabot
mailto rajib2das@gmail.com

Ezu wrote at 7/4/2013 8:06:10 PM:

The technology is still in primary phase with high expectation in future. 3D printers are already available on the market but the list with objects that can be built with these is still very low.

RobotDigg wrote at 6/14/2013 8:06:16 AM:

Good knowledge

Bonitum wrote at 5/23/2013 10:50:11 AM:

Wonderful write-up. Thank you 3Ders team!

Carlos wrote at 5/22/2013 11:56:02 PM:

Mucho Cool!

coolkid wrote at 5/13/2013 9:38:26 AM:

:0

Maggie L. wrote at 5/12/2013 9:31:17 PM:

reallly coool info.

surendranath wrote at 5/12/2013 5:19:27 AM:

Hello sir
thank you very much for good explained about 3d printer

EssiePeaches@aol.com wrote at 5/7/2013 5:16:37 AM:

Great article, well written and highly informative. I can create a 3d model on my computer and I have been considering having some of my 3d models, like statues, lovers, turned into real 3d models by an outside, affordable source. You see the statue, Thinker, I would like to create love statues about 24 inches tall. That is something I'm still thinking about.

21leftcenter wrote at 4/30/2013 9:45:13 PM:

MY HUSBAND LOVES YOUR SITE! :-)

bob wrote at 4/17/2013 2:05:53 AM:

awesome info, i really need to buy one thanks

uli wrote at 4/10/2013 10:07:33 PM:

any online school for 3d design and printing?

~LB wrote at 4/10/2013 7:01:11 PM:

You Rock!

Ruby wrote at 3/21/2013 12:44:04 PM:

How can I order prototypes from you

Sarah C. wrote at 3/15/2013 5:27:34 PM:

Great, clear info! Thanks

Anja wrote at 2/25/2013 6:07:15 PM:

Thanks David.

David Snell wrote at 2/25/2013 5:32:42 PM:

#8 needs a little correction due to consolidation in the Industrial space:
Objet has merged with Stratasys
Z Corp. has merged with 3D Systems

Durham3d is also a great service. I got a high-quality print from them at an incredibly low price. @Durham3d, durham3d@gmail.com

R. Weekley wrote at 1/22/2013 9:49:14 PM:

Hand-in-hand with 3D printing is scanning.
The pinch point is scanning. How to get a software model that can be converted into a part.
There are many scanning means. The easiest is photo scanning - taking a series of photographs at various angles, and combining them to yield a virtual model. Fortunately, there is help.
My 3D Scanner is free. http://www.my3dscanner.com/
PhotoModeler is $2500 http://www.photomodeler.com/
... and everything in-between http://www.scannerkiller.com/welcome.html
This means that the only special equipment you really need is a
camera.

Dienye A. Atemie wrote at 1/22/2013 6:35:51 AM:

We have been following the exciting developments of the 3D printers and now desire to take a more purposeful step in the investment of this amazing product, additive manufacturing. We'll appreciate if you provide us with all the contact details of the manufacturers of the 3D printers. We intend to partner with them to create enormous markets beyond the shores of US. We might as special cases agree to have us as their committed representative even outside the US. Thank you as we look forward to hearing from you.

Mitch Bupp wrote at 1/15/2013 5:12:50 PM:

Thank You, This the future of manufacturing production. I hope that I am not too late to get in on the ground floor of the technology.
Thank You Ann Marie, I will check it out. I am trying to find out where the best place is to get an education on this.

Siwek wrote at 1/11/2013 2:02:02 PM:

I never see any discussion of the SURFACE texture, options or post processing. What are surface treatments and how do they effect the accuracy?

d wrote at 12/9/2012 1:29:05 PM:

Wonderful write-up. Thank you 3Ders team!

Kevin wrote at 11/20/2012 9:57:59 AM:

Revolvon offer a 3d print service at very competitive rates. Just send a stl file through via the web site and receive a price back within a few hours. Typical delivery for finished parts is 2-3 days. For technical discussions call in and ask for sales.
www.revolvon.com

Carla Ehrenreich wrote at 9/15/2012 8:18:22 PM:

Thanks for bringing this information all together like this.

mirza aslam wrote at 8/28/2012 3:18:28 AM:

Thax bro

Leon wrote at 8/16/2012 11:00:50 AM:

Great website. Thanks for making 3D printing seem so accessible.

Dcell_1t wrote at 8/13/2012 8:23:43 PM:

thanks, it will help me for my project!!!

Anja wrote at 4/19/2012 11:37:56 PM:

Cube is announced to be the first home 3D printer. But no one has one yet, so also no review available. All the existing 3D printer are for sure not easy for beginners.

Dee. B wrote at 4/19/2012 8:17:30 PM:

Who presently makes the easiest 3D printer for home use? Does HP have one on the market yet? Thanks for reply.

Ann Marie Shillito wrote at 2/18/2012 12:50:04 AM:

Please add Cloud9, a 3D modelling package http://anarkik3d.co.uk/ which is very quick and easy to learn and to get into being creative - bit like a pencil: easy to use straight away with scope for skilled mastery with practice. It is easy to learn to use because it exploits a haptic (3D virtual touch) device which replaces the standard mouse to give movement in 3 dimensions and force feedback for sense of touch, tapping our natural ways of interacting in the real world!

Richard wrote at 2/16/2012 7:49:58 PM:

THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL INFORMATION!

Leave a comment:

Your Name:

Subscribe us to

About 3Ders.org

3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now five years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.